What does 2 Kings 5:16 mean?
"But he said, As the LORD liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused." - 2 Kings 5:16

The Bible verse 2 Kings 5:16 in the King James Version reads, "But he said, As the LORD liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused."
This verse is part of the story of Naaman, a commander in the army of the king of Syria, who is healed of leprosy by the prophet Elisha. The story of Naaman is found in 2 Kings 5:1-27 and it is a powerful account of faith, humility, and obedience.
Naaman, despite being a great and respected warrior, is suffering from leprosy. Upon hearing of the prophet Elisha, Naaman travels to Israel seeking healing. Elisha instructs him to wash seven times in the Jordan River, which initially offends Naaman. However, at the urging of his servants, Naaman humbles himself and follows Elisha's command. When Naaman is healed, he offers gifts and riches to Elisha as a sign of gratitude, but Elisha refuses. This is where the verse 2 Kings 5:16 comes in.
The verse reveals an important message about the nature of God's gifts. Elisha, as a man of God, understands that the healing Naaman received was not from himself, but from the Lord. Elisha's refusal of Naaman's gifts reveals his understanding that the power to heal comes from God alone. This verse highlights the purity of Elisha's motives and his commitment to serving God without seeking personal gain.
This passage also conveys the theme of humility. Naaman initially refuses to follow Elisha's instructions because they seem too simple and he expected a more grandiose healing process. However, through the encouragement of his servants, Naaman sets aside his pride and obeys Elisha's command, ultimately receiving the healing he desperately sought. This act of humility is rewarded with miraculous healing, emphasizing the importance of humility in approaching God and His commands.
Furthermore, this verse also touches on the theme of faith. Elisha's refusal of Naaman's gifts demonstrates his unwavering faith in God's provision. Elisha trusts that God will provide for him and does not depend on material wealth from others. Naaman's act of faith in following Elisha's instructions results in his complete healing, illustrating the power of faith in God's promises.
In a broader context, this verse also serves as a reminder of the nature of God's grace and salvation. Just as Naaman received healing as a gift from God through Elisha, so too do believers receive the gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. This gift cannot be earned or bought, but is freely given by God out of His love and grace. Elisha's refusal of Naaman's gifts serves as a reflection of God's selfless love and his desire for a relationship with His people based on faith and obedience, rather than material offerings.
Symbolically, Elisha's refusal of Naaman's gifts represents the purity of the Gospel message. In a world driven by materialism and self-interest, the message of salvation through Jesus Christ remains untainted by human greed. The verse serves as a reminder that the blessings of God, including healing and salvation, are not for sale, but are freely given to those who humble themselves and trust in Him.
In conclusion, 2 Kings 5:16 in the King James Version offers a profound message about humility, faith, and the nature of God's gifts. Elisha's refusal of Naaman's gifts reflects the purity of God's grace and the importance of approaching Him with humility and faith. The verse serves as a timeless reminder of God's unwavering love and the need for believers to trust in His provision without seeking personal gain.
Have questions about 2 Kings 5:16?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
2 Kings 5:16 Artwork
2 Kings 5:16 - "But he said, As the LORD liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused."
"But he said, As the LORD liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused." - 2 Kings 5:16
2 Kings 16:5 - "¶ Then Rezin king of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to Jerusalem to war: and they besieged Ahaz, but could not overcome him."
1 Kings 16:5 - "Now the rest of the acts of Baasha, and what he did, and his might, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
2 Kings 16:16 - "Thus did Urijah the priest, according to all that king Ahaz commanded."
1 Kings 5:16 - "Beside the chief of Solomon's officers which were over the work, three thousand and three hundred, which ruled over the people that wrought in the work."
2 Kings 3:16-19
2 Kings 16:19 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Ahaz which he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
1 Kings 5:2 - "And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying,"
2 Samuel 5:16 - "And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphalet."
2 Kings 14:16 - "And Jehoash slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel; and Jeroboam his son reigned in his stead."
2 Kings 4:4-5
2 Kings 19:5 - "So the servants of king Hezekiah came to Isaiah."
2 Kings 6:16 - "And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them."
2 Kings 20:16 - "And Isaiah said unto Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD."
2 Kings 24:5 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Jehoiakim, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Kings 12:16 - "The trespass money and sin money was not brought into the house of the LORD: it was the priests'."
2 Chronicles 28:16 - "¶ At that time did king Ahaz send unto the kings of Assyria to help him."
"¶ Then Rezin king of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to Jerusalem to war: and they besieged Ahaz, but could not overcome him." - 2 Kings 16:5
2 Kings 3:16 - "And he said, Thus saith the LORD, Make this valley full of ditches."
2 Kings 16:1 - "In the seventeenth year of Pekah the son of Remaliah Ahaz the son of Jotham king of Judah began to reign."
2 Kings 16:8 - "And Ahaz took the silver and gold that was found in the house of the LORD, and in the treasures of the king's house, and sent it for a present to the king of Assyria."
"Thus did Urijah the priest, according to all that king Ahaz commanded." - 2 Kings 16:16
2 Kings 5:19 - "And he said unto him, Go in peace. So he departed from him a little way."
2 Kings 16:12 - "And when the king was come from Damascus, the king saw the altar: and the king approached to the altar, and offered thereon."
2 Kings 16:4 - "And he sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree."
2 Kings 16:18 - "And the covert for the sabbath that they had built in the house, and the king's entry without, turned he from the house of the LORD for the king of Assyria."
2 Chronicles 16:11 - "¶ And, behold, the acts of Asa, first and last, lo, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel."
2 Kings 11:16 - "And they laid hands on her; and she went by the way by the which the horses came into the king's house: and there was she slain."
2 Kings 3:5 - "But it came to pass, when Ahab was dead, that the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel."